Ferrell is friend to the Max

Grant Ferrell embraced his longtime friend Max Parell in a tight hug, only moving his arms to wipe the tears from his eyes.

The Huron High School freshmen have been pals since second grade. Their lasting friendship has inspired many Huron residents.

This past Wednesday, several of those individuals gathered in celebration as the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities presented Ferrell, 15, with the Steve Lippert Award. About 30 people attended the meeting.

The annual award, established in 2004, honors someone serving people with developmental disabilities through advocacy, friendship and support. Award winners are nominated by peers and selected by a committee.

Ferrell bested about 20 others to win the prestigious award.

“I’m so honored, it’s hard to put it into words,” Ferrell said. “People think Max learns from me, but really I learn from him. He inspires me.” 

Ferrell is the youngest person to win the award. He was nominated by several Huron Schools employees, daily witnesses of his kindness to Parell.

Parell, 16, was born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development, according to the National Association for Down Syndrome. He has competed six times in the Special Olympics, winning a slew of medals, and is the “water man” for the Huron High School football team.

Throughout the years, Ferrell has supported Parell by encouraging his athletic endeavors, connecting him with school sports teams or just simply hanging out with friends. 

“I’ve watched kids pass by my son through the years as they grow up,” said Al Parell, Max’s father. “But no matter what, no matter how busy he is, Grant has always left a spot in his heart for Max.”

Ferrells’s name will soon be displayed on a plaque at the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities headquarters on Galloway Road. As part of the award, Ferrell also received a painting created by an individual with disabilities. He plans to hang his artwork in his room.

“It’s better that anything else they could have given me,” Ferrell said. “It’s beautiful.”